US-China Tech Tensions Escalate

China has criticized the United States for imposing new restrictions on AI chip exports and blocking the sale of chip design software, alongside reports of plans to revoke student visas for Chinese nationals. This move has raised concerns among families, university administrators, and officials in China, where over 275,000 students are currently enrolled in US universities.

China and US flags (Image credits: AP)

Diplomatic Protests and Trade Talks

China's foreign ministry has denounced the visa revocations as "unreasonable" and "politicized," accusing the US of straying from its principles of freedom and openness. The commerce ministry also accused the US of acting unilaterally and backtracking on trade agreements, highlighting a 90-day truce that saw tariff reductions from both sides.

Trump's Accusations and the Path Forward

Former US President Donald Trump accused China of violating the trade agreement, a claim China has rejected. Despite tensions, Trump expressed hope for resolution through dialogue with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The situation underscores the intensifying competition between the two nations in leading cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and their strategic ambitions in the Asia-Pacific region.